During the procedure, surgeons use small incisions and long-shafted instruments to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient's abdomen. The band is fastened around the upper portion of the stomach to create a new, smaller stomach pouch that limits the amount of food you eat. The small outlet below this pouch slows the emptying process into the stomach and the intestines. This causes patients to feel an earlier sensation of fullness with smaller amounts of food consumed at meals, and absent or decreased cravings for snacking between meals, which results in weight loss.

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“Since the band surgery my weight loss has been remarkable. I started at 435 pounds, with a BMI of 55.8. (22 months after the procedure), I have lost about 185 pounds, with a BMI of 32.1.”

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The gastric band is also the only adjustable weight loss surgery in the United States

For example, pregnant patients can have their band deflated to accommodate a growing fetus. To adjust the size of the band, the physician can inflate or deflate it with saline solution. The band is connected to a port placed well under the skin during surgery. After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in the band by entering the port with a fine needle through the skin. This allows patients to have their bands adjusted according to need.